I-Tunes

So, I am not the most savvy girl when it comes to updated technology. I have an ipod but have never engaged in the world of I-tunes or downloading. I heard a song recently that I really liked and wanted it for my runs. So I bit the bullet and set up an account today. Only it wasn't that easy. You see, I had no idea that once you download I-Tunes (which I already had on my computer but wasn't aware it was the same thing) I thought you stay on their website to start buying music. So, I have seen absolutely everything there is, including every tutorial known to man on the ipod, on the I-Tunes website. Finally, after much frustration and not understanding how half of the natural born world does this on a daily basis, I finally decided that the only other thing it might be is to go and open my I-Tunes and hope that you can order directly from there. BINGO!! That was it. They never once say to close the browser and open your own I-Tunes window to start downloading music. Maybe it's a given but for those out there like me who follow the directions to a "T", it would be nice if they spelled that out. I'm just sayin'!

Now, I know you are all dying to know what song was so good that I was willing to go through all this. It's "Wild At Heart" by Gloriana. A great running song. Good beat! I will admit, it was nice to pay 1.29 for a song that I wanted than 16.00 for a whole CD. Now I'll be a pro!

Scream

Do you ever have those days when you could just scream? You know, the ones where you just want to grab a pillow and start screaming into it. I don't like being vulnerable. I don't like it at all. It is no fun to open up yourself and step out on a ledge. I did that recently with someone about something that was going on in my heart and they just don't get it. So, I will take a deep LONG breath, grab my pillow, and let out one good scream. I will not let dissappointment over run me today.

Now, don't feel sorry for me. This is not a ploy to get a bunch of "oh poor you" responses or "I'm here, call mes". This is just a venting moment. I will run to the Throne and not the phone.

Aunt Jill's Birthday

The kids were so excited to go to Vacouver, WA today. We started out early so that we could take them to Country Cousins in Centrailia for breakfast. Greg and I have some fond memories in that place and we were excited to build some more with the kids. Jordan was SO EXCITED when he finally got his cinnamon roll. It's all he's thought about for the last couple of days. I haven't been to that outlet mall in many years and they have really spruced it up. The Gymboree there is AWESOME! We got in a little shopping today too. Can't wait to get a trip in down there with the girls soon (hint hint).

We got to see Aunt Jill (Greg's sister) and her family. Our kids had not seen their cousins in over 5 years. It was like no time had passed at all other than everyone was all grown up! Matt and Denise were already in the Portland area for the weekend so they got to be there too. What a blast. The boys loved playing hoops with each other, the girls were infatuated with the dogs, and lunch and dessert were awesome!! The picture time was especially great because of this pyramid shot. Let's just say there was a definite comfort zone that was stretched today :) Of course we had to sing Happy Birthday to her since her actual birthday is tomorrow. I made everyone sing it again because her two dogs joined in and I just had to get it on video. Then on the way home, I was looking through the pictures and saw a blurry one that I couldn't quite make out so I deleted it. Guess what....YEP...it was the hillarious dogs barking happy birthday. I am so bummed that I did that. Oh well, the memory will last a life time.

What I Missed....

So, you just got back from Haiti where you slept on concrete for a week covered by a little tent outside. Your neck and back are sore. What do you do two days after you get back? Go see a Chiropractor? Go get a massage? Now, think like my sister Chrissy for a moment........

You get on a trampoline of course!!

While my sister was gone I missed her crazy self. She has a way of making the day a little funner. The kids were so excited to see her today. She had not yet had the opportunity to get on the trampoline so we conquered that sucker today. She has moves peeps! It was a fantastic way to get out and enjoy having her back again. LOVE YOU SIS!

For a special little ditty, make sure to check out the short video at the end.

GET READY CAUSE HERE WE GO!

OH YEAH BABY!

ALLY-OOP

LOOK AT ME MOM

ME TOO BELLE

HOW HIGH CAN MOM JUMP US TODAY?

TIME FOR CRACK THE EGG

JUMP TILL YOU CAN'T JUMP ANY MORE!

MIKAYLA'S FIRST FLIP

Pretty in Pink

Isabella and I are absolutely lovin' the sun today!! Science is one of her subjects in homeschooling this year and I have to say....it is much easier to get her excited about growing flowers and Spring when we can be out in it. Hope you are all enjoying the weather today.

Chrissy is Back

Christina arrived home safely last night. She is exhausted and overwhelmed by all that she wittnessed. God is good and she is already planning to go back. Thank you for your prayers and please continue to pray for the people and children in Haiti.

Happy President's Day

Well, now that I am a student again, I find that the holidays definitely are more meaningful to me. It's a DAY OFF PEOPLE! So today I decided to reward myself for all the hard work. The kids and I got to head out to Kent and hang with Karen and her kids. Oh my goodness. What a fun day! It started out quiet over peppermint tea. Then it got increasingly funnier as the hours ticked by. We laughed and laughed and truely felt like we got to relax. The weather was perfect and the kids made lunch. Thank you so much Karen for being such a great reward today!

You have no idea how many times I scratched today!!


You have no idea how many times Karen consecutively hit the 8 ball into a pocket that she did not call.


The kids loved cooking again.



Crazy Jumpers!



Time for ping pong!




Fun in the Sun. Movin' the party outside!

Valentine's Day at the Park

I got to spend the afternoon yesterday with my four valentines. Greg is of course my sweetheart. I use to only want time with him on valentines day but the kids are really growing up and we are finding that we enjoy spending time with them just as much these days.

This Little Light of Mine

I lit my candles this morning in my kitchen. I was amazed at how much light was given off by just one little flame. My sister is in Haiti right now working to help the people in the farthest out regions get help. It is dangerous and the destruction is more than words can describe. However, I thought of her this morning as I lit one candle. She said something to me before she left. She told me that she knew there was only so much one person could do to help. She knew that there were hundreds of thousands suffering and that she might only help a few. Then she said something that has resonated with me since. "But Stephanie, I can't let the idea of sommething so big keep me from doing something so small. I need to be faithful and let God use me in the smallest way He chooses." Of course, she said it so much more eloquently than I ever could write because God has granted her that gift but you get the picture.

PEOPLE.... we are not all called to Haiti. And we are not all called to the outermost ends of the earth. BUT.... we are called to serve. Don't be fooled by how much light is given off by one flame. It is tremendous. Serve where God has placed you today. Be a teacher or a boss or a friend or a mom or a neighbor or a wife or a missionary. Let's let God work the miracles and just show up ready and willing to do what He calls us to do.

Please continue to pray for my sister and their team in Haiti. Pray for their safety and the difficulty of seeing so much pain and suffering. Pray for them to continue to reach out to the people and be able to show them that God loves them.

Superbowl 2010

Nope. The Colts were not victorious. It's a bummer. BUT....we did have a blast today. Maybe next year. Congrats to all you Saint's Fans. They played a great game!